Eryngium planum – Sea Holly

What an amazing time to celebrate pollinators. We know that insects play a vital role in our ecosystem. But did you know almost every third bite of food you take comes from a plant that has been pollinated by an insect. Wow!

Pollinators are out and about all season long from early spring until late fall. To keep them happy and healthy we need to provide them with three seasons of bloom. If you are looking for something that is different you might check out the Genus Eryngium. This group of plants belong to the carrot family and many are native to the Great Planes. Eryngium planum (Sea Holly) is a perennial plant that does well in full sun locations. Steel blue flowers start to open about the second to third week of June and continue for about four to six weeks.

What makes the plant fun is the shape and texture of the leaves. They are pointy and offer a unique look to your perennial garden. An additional bonus with this plant is the fact rabbits tend to avoid it. Over the years the clump can increase in size and you will get a few volunteers popping up too. Dig out anything that you don’t want or relocate them. It is easier to move them when they are small because they have an extensive tap root.

So when you decide on what to plant choose from a group of plants that will support pollinators and offer a wow factor to your yard.

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Scott Evans is a horticulture assistant with Nebraska Extension in Douglas-Sarpy Counties. A certified arborist through International Society of Arboirculture and Nebraska Arborist Association. Scott is also Tree Risk Assessment Qualified through ISA. Scott co-leads the Master Gardener program in Douglas & Sarpy counties. Along with volunteer management he provides his expertise with disease and insect identification, lawn and landscape weed management, plant health, and I.P.M. practices. He also enjoys growing many houseplants ranging from African violets to cacti and succulents. Scott has two Bachelors of Science, one in Biology (emphasis in Botany, Ecology and Environmental Science) and second in Environmental Geology from Northwest Missouri State University. He earned his Master of Agriculture from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.